Jun 2, 2026
Honoring a Legacy Through the First-Ever UCP+ and CareMax Senior Solutions Golf FUNDRAISER
Honoring the Legacy of Russell Takeuchi Sr.
At the heart of the inaugural UCP+ & CareMax Senior Solutions Golf Tournament Fundraiser was a man whose compassion, generosity, and dedication to the disability community helped shape the future of UCP+ Central California for generations to come — Russell Takeuchi Sr.
This special event was held in loving memory of Russell, a beloved UCP+ board member whose passion for helping individuals with disabilities was evident in everything he did. Russell dedicated countless hours to supporting the mission of UCP+ Central California and was instrumental in helping the organization secure its transformative new 40,000-square-foot campus in Fresno. His vision for a larger, more accessible facility was rooted in one simple belief: every individual deserves opportunities, dignity, and a place where they can unlock their full potential.
Russell was also deeply passionate about golf. As a longtime member of Copper River Country Club, the course held a special place in his heart. Hosting the tournament fundraiser at Copper River made the day even more meaningful, bringing together community members, supporters, sponsors, golfers and friends and family in a location that represented one of Russell’s favorite pastimes. Family members and lifelong friends of Russell also played in the tournament to honor his memory and celebrate the incredible legacy he left behind. It was more than a fundraiser — it was a celebration of his life, his legacy, and the incredible impact he made.
A Historic Milestone for UCP+ Central california
The UCP+ and CareMax Senior Solutions Golf Tournament marked an exciting milestone for the organization as it became the very first golf fundraiser tournament in UCP+ Central California history.
For an organization that has served the disability community for over 70+ years, this event represented much more than a day on the golf course. It symbolized growth, community collaboration, and a bold new chapter as UCP+ prepares to open its newly renovated campus designed to better serve individuals of all abilities.
From the very beginning, the vision for this inaugural event was ambitious. Organizing a successful golf tournament requires extensive planning, industry knowledge, sponsorship coordination, course logistics, player management, and an understanding of the unique culture surrounding golf fundraising events. Thankfully, UCP+ did not have to do it alone.
The Invaluable Partnership of CareMax Senior Solutions
The success of this historic tournament would not have been possible without the incredible partnership and leadership of CareMax Senior Solutions.
As presenting partner and Platinum Sponsor, CareMax Senior Solutions brought invaluable expertise, dedication, and enthusiasm to every aspect of the event. Their extensive experience with golf tournaments played a critical role in transforming the vision into a polished, professional, and memorable experience for everyone involved.
From tournament coordination and sponsor support to player experience and event logistics, the CareMax team helped guide the process every step of the way. Their knowledge and hands-on involvement provided an essential foundation that allowed the inaugural tournament to exceed expectations.
More importantly, CareMax Senior Solutions believed in the mission behind the event. Their partnership reflected a shared commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities and helping UCP+ continue expanding opportunities throughout Central California.
The collaboration between UCP+ and CareMax Senior Solutions showcased what can happen when organizations come together with a shared purpose and genuine passion for community impact.
Leadership That Helped Drive the Vision
Another major force behind the tournament’s success was the leadership and experience of UCP+ Executive Director Roger Slingerman.
Roger’s lifelong connection to golf brought a unique level of authenticity and insight to the event. Having played golf since childhood, Roger possesses a deep understanding of the game, golf culture, and what creates a successful tournament experience for players and sponsors alike.
In addition to his passion for golf, Roger brings decades of nonprofit fundraising experience to UCP+. Prior to leading UCP+ Central California, Roger worked extensively with Special Olympics, where he traveled worldwide helping support and expand programs that empower individuals with disabilities.
That background proved invaluable throughout the planning and execution of the tournament. Roger understood not only how to create a successful fundraising event, but how to ensure the day remained mission-focused and deeply connected to the individuals UCP+ serves.
His leadership helped unite sponsors, volunteers, golfers, and community partners around a common goal: creating brighter futures for individuals with disabilities throughout the Central Valley.
A Community United for a Greater Purpose
The inaugural tournament was filled with unforgettable moments — from golfers teeing off beneath the beautiful Central California sky to community members gathering together in support of UCP+’s mission.
Sponsors, donors, volunteers, players, UCP+ staff and friends and family of Russell Takeuchi Sr. all contributed to making the day a tremendous success. Their generosity directly supports the continued development of the new UCP+ campus, a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide expanded programs, accessible spaces, life skills training, creative arts opportunities, and empowering services for individuals of all abilities.
The event also reflected the evolving identity of UCP+ itself. The “+” symbolizes growth, expanded services, and a commitment to serving more individuals across a wider spectrum of disabilities and needs. This golf tournament embodied that spirit perfectly — bringing people together, opening new doors, and creating opportunities that extend far beyond the golf course.
Looking Toward the Future
While this may have been the first UCP+ golf tournament, it certainly will not be the last.
The overwhelming support from the community demonstrated the powerful impact of partnerships, leadership, and shared purpose. Most importantly, it honored the memory of Russell Takeuchi Sr. in a way that reflected the values he carried throughout his life: generosity, service, community, and compassion.
As UCP+ Central California continues preparing to open its new 40,000-square-foot campus, events like this help fuel the organization’s mission of unlocking potential and creating a community without boundaries.
The inaugural UCP+ & CareMax Senior Solutions Golf Tournament was not simply a fundraiser. It was a tribute, a milestone, and a celebration of what is possible when a community comes together to support individuals with disabilities. And for everyone involved, it was a day Russell Takeuchi Sr. would have been incredibly proud of.